Parts List for Building an Oxygen and Helium Fill Whip:
This parts lists is for building a whip that will go from a normal bulk cylinder of Oxygen (CGA540) or a normal bulk cylinder of Helium (CGA580) to scuba.
Part Number | Description | Approx Retail Price |
WE 415 | CGA 580-540 Adapter | 8.91 |
WE 62 | CGA 540 Nut | 2.30 |
WE 63 | CGA 540 Nipple 1/4" MNPT | 2.30 |
WE PF2-4-48 | 48" Stainless O2 Whip F-F 1/4"NPT | 33.00 |
WE CV-4M | Check Valve M-M 1/4" NPT | 18.80 |
WE BFT-4HP | High pressure Tee F-F-F 1/4" NPT | 8.56 |
WE B-4HP | High pressure nipple M-M 1/4" NPT | 1.62 |
Wika 8610975 | 2.5" 0-4000psi Gauge | 19.00 |
???? | Sherwood Filler Attachment Scuba-1/4" FNPT | Approx. 40.00 |
Teflon Tape | Teflon Tape | 2.00 |
All part numbers starting with WE are from Western Enterprises, large supplier that many welding shops use.
Obviously, you could skimp on a few things on this list like the check valve, but like the Oxyhacker says, there's no reason to skimp on the hose, it is the critical part of the whip, and the Western PF2-4-48 (48 is the length) is top of the line.
Be sure to follow Oxygen Cleaning standards for all parts(whatever those standards might be. A nice cleaning of simple green might not hurt. (the hose comes in O2 service)
A word about the gauge: It might be worthwhile to buy a nice 4"accurate gauge or better, although I've heard from a number of sources that with a little (or a lot) of practice, you can get within 1% easily with the small gauge. Make sure if filling trimix to fill the He first, so the gauge is in it's more accurate range (the middle) when you fill the O2.
Always analyze your mix before diving!